Mario Zaffarese, 51, was granted bail today after pleading not guilty to having grievously injured a neighbour in a brawl in Zebbug yesterday. he was taken to court this afternoon.

The incident happened at 8.45am during an argument over a parking space.

The victim, John Tanti, suffered a broken arm, three broken ribs and facial injuries.

The court heard Mr Zaffarese's lawyer, Franco Debono, argue that Mr Tanti had threatened to slash the tyres of the car belonging to Mr Zaffarese's daughter.

Dr Debono also said that the injuries were caused when the two men pushed each other. 

Police Insector Roderick Agius, prosecuting, said that as the argument escalated, Mr Tanti's son turned up holding an iron bar, whereupon Mr Zaffarese, a government-employed watchman, produced an unregistered pistol. He later told the police that he had found the pistol in a field, but he had not reported it.

Dr Debono said the pistol did not carry any bullets

Bail was granted against a deposit of €3,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.  

Dr Yanica Camilleri appeared for Mr Tanti.